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Past conditional

Past Conditional

> The past conditional is expressed using the modal 'would' before a past infinitive (= 'have' + past participle). This construction serves to express missed opportunities and past hypotheses:

She told me that she would have liked to come and see us.
In your position, I would have done the same thing.

> One finds it often in hypothetical constructions with 'if.' When 'if' is followed by the pluperfect, the conditional past is expected in the second clause:

If you had told me the truth, I would have believed you.
If he had worked harder, he'd have received a better grade.

> Note : In a few regions (principally in the United States) one hears the conditional past in both clauses of hypothetical expressions:

If you would have told me he was going to win, I wouldn't have believed you.

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If you (study) hard, you (pass) your exam.
He told me that he (like) to come to the USA with us.
If he (be) there, he (be) happy to go to the pictures with you.